Tuesday, March 23, 2010

My friend Enrique told me an interesting tortilla tid bit this week. I asked him if I could share what he said:

Hey, since you're in the tortilla business, I thought you'll find it interestingto know that tortillas play an important role in romance in Mexico.

First, you need a little background info to understand. In Mexico, people don't really buy tortillas at the store. People buy warm freshly made tortillas daily from "tortillerias" you find everywhere. They take their own towel to carry and keep the tortillas warm. Usually in every household, it's the young girl's job to go for the tortillas while the mom is finishing with the cooking. Here's where the opportunity for romance comes in. For young girls with really strict parents, this is the only chance to be out of the house by themselves.

When a boy asks a girl, "So, what time do you get the tortillas?" That question means a lot more than a simple inquiry about the tortillas. A girl can reject him or let him know when and where they can meet, so he can walk her to get the tortillas and get to know each other. This is a beautiful custom in Mexican courtship. At lunch and dinner time you find nervous boys all over the country getting ready to escort the young ladies.

I was lucky enough to experience it one summer in Mexico when I was 14. Her name was Violeta, and I was so nervous to ask her, but I did and walked her to get the tortillas almost every day that summer. We Mexicans are passionate and hopeless romantics. I'll never forget that experience.

I still get a smile when I think about the phrase, "So, what time do you get the tortillas?"It's a staple in my culture's romance. Sometimes guys still use the phrase, even if the girl is older and independent. They use it to break the ice, and to make their intentions clear. I bet you never knew tortillas could be so romantic...

Sunday, March 21, 2010

March 12-14, 2010 was the Natural Products Expo West. Held in Anaheim, California, this is the world's largest natural, organic, and healthy products trade show. With over 3000 exhibitors and 53,000 industry attendees, the show can seem a bit daunting. It is sensory overload with all of the milling people, the flashy booths, and the free samples of the latest and greatest in the natural products market.

Most vendors go hoping to be noticed by Whole Foods, Costco, Trader Joe's, or other big wholesalers. Noticeably, anything gluten free that doesn't taste like card board is hot commodity, as well as anything organic, and can we say, "Go green?"

It was definitely a fun experience seeing the creativity and marketing genius of the various companies. Rudi's Organic Bakery used a VW Bus as a "meeting room" for part of their exhibit.

Walking through the Expo, I thought of how fun it would be to work for one of these companies and be part of trade shows like this one. The next thought was, "Oh wait, I am part of a company that will be at this expo someday, and right now, I get to see what to expect, and I get to see all of this for free."

I had a fun time parousing and filling my bag full of free goodies. (I was also scoping out the tortilla competition, and I'd like to say they have nothing on us:). Now, I'll just take a minute to note a few of the exhibitors.

LaraBar introduced 4 new flavors at the Expo: Carrot Cake, Chocolate Chip Brownie, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip, and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough. Lara Bars are raw food bars, with short and natural ingredient lists that include things like dates, cashews, almonds, or apples. LaraBars are great for the average flight attendant, and I have to say I'm definately a fan of the new flavors.

On the last day of the Expo, some exhibitors will sell the products. I bought two Klean Kanteen's, a pretty purple bottle, and a 12oz insulated bottle, which is one of the newest designs. Claiming to keep things warm or cold for 6+ hours, I had a chance to test it out last Thursday. I put chocolate soymilk, with some ice cubes in my insulated bottle at 6am, before farmer's market. The bottle was in the sun all day and when I finally drank my chocolate soymilk at 7pm, the ice cubes were still there. uh-MAZING!!!

Dr. Karl was at the Expo. He started an eco-friendly company that makes handmade journals, stationary, crafts, scrapbook/photoalbums, and various grades of paper made from none other than elephant pooh. Creative, save the environment, AND cute! The pooh comes from Elephants in Sri Lanka. Dr. Karl gave me the cutest elephant pooh pin. I sported it for the rest of the day. To get your own pooh pin or to see all the other cute stuff, visit the Ellie Paper Pooh online store, and you can learn more about The Ellie Pooh story here.

Overall, my first Expo West Experience was fun, and I hope next year that it will involve Created Whole!! Yippee:)

Thursday, March 11, 2010

If you are wondering where you can buy your Created Whole Tortillas, you have options. Besides buying online, fax, or at farmer's market, you can swing by Nature's Food Market & Juice Bar. Located in Bakersfield, California, husband and wife team, Wendy and Chuck Naus opened their market in the hopes of reaching the community through providing healthy alternatives. Wendy loves to make raw vegan desserts, and these sweet treats taste AMAZING. At the market you can also enjoy fresh fruit or vegetable juices, while buying foods to stock your pantry. You can find Created Whole Tortillas in the freezer section, but be sure to look in the refrigerator for the veggie wraps that Wendy makes fresh daily. Combined with a fresh squeezed juice and raw dessert, your tummy will thank you:)

Saturday, March 6, 2010

By: KaraYesterday, I had the day off. That means that my co dependant cell phone relationship is broken for 24 hours, I venture a little farther away from LAX, and I'm not obsessed with checking the company website every five minutes to see if I am scheduled to fly. Instead, I spend my day hiking in West Hollywood, riding my bike around Redondo, do some blogging, and tortilla promoting.

The promoting count this week includes handing out about 5 sample packs. On Thursday, a pack went to The Green Temple, a vegetarian restaurant in the Riviera Village of Redondo. Still waiting on the outcome of that one. Yesterday, one went to Planet Earth EcoCafein Hermosa Beach. Another wait. And another sample pack was intended for the Hermosa Beach Market Manager.

I knew the answer before I even asked the question about becoming a vendor at the Hermosa Beach market. The crossed arms and scowl on her face were already telling signs of a big "NO." I'm not even sure the words that came out of my mouth because instead of thinking about what I am saying, I'm only think about how this is not going well. I've talked with her before. This time she tells me, "I already have someone who sells tortillas." I asked if they make them fresh. She says that the vendor buys the tortillas from a store. Then I ask her another question, "So, what did you think of our tortillas." "They are great! There's no question about that!" I walk away thinking that she makes no sense. We are great, and she knows it. Win for us. She doesn't want a great product at her market? That's a little strange.

My first reaction is to feel a little angry and frustrated. Then I am struck by the thought that it's not about the markets. What really is our goal with our tortilla company? To be in farmer's markets? NO! The farmer's market is simple the vehicle to take us to our bigger goals with Created Whole. Maybe the Hermosa Beach market is not the market that will reach the crowd that could catapult us into stores like Whole Foods and Trader Joe's. Our success is not dependant on one market manager telling us no (And it's only no for now).

I am reminded again that it's not about the market. It's about focusing on the long term goals during the short-term ups and downs. It's about staying committed. It's about hearing the part about our tortillas being undoubtedly AMAZING, instead of the no. It's all about majoring on the major, meaning focusing on what counts.

Friday, March 5, 2010

Yesterday, around 12:45p, while mom and I were just finishing up Farmer's Market, my phone rang. I looked at the unrecognized 661 number, and thought, "It must be a potential pilates client or someone with a wrong number." I answered and was completely surprised that the voice on the other end belonged to the Assistant Business Editor of The Bakersfield Californian. He was in need of a response that was to be published in Friday's business section of the newspaper, and he needed it immediately.

It's pretty amazing that I actually answered my phone at that moment, because usually at the market, my phone doesn't ring, I don't hear it, or I'm just too busy to answer. The only reason the Editor knew about Created Whole was because of something that happened 2 months ago. Around the beginning of January, I had sent out press releases to writers at The Bakersfield Californian, and also to local TV stations.

Earlier Thursday morning, I had been thinking about our business and I rememberd that I had sent out the press releases. I frowned and had thought something along the lines that the things I do for the business are a waste of time and my press release must have sucked. Pretty negative.

Fast-forward again to the call. The only reason the Editor knew about Created Whole was because I had sent out the press release! It was in his inbox, in front of him. We were a solution to his deadline. Right there when we needed to be:)

Often, I expect life to happen on a specific timeline. I expect people to respond in a certain way, and events to unfold when I determine. Thinking this way is ridculous. The Editor calling reminds of a few things.

Keep Working: You don't know when it will pay off. Perseverance.

Keep Believing. Know that the work you do will have rewards. Patience.

Keep Hoping. When things are not what you expect, have the attitude that it will. Positivity.

It's so important for me to be reminded that what feels like rejection may not be, to keep working because I believe in what we have, and stay positive even when it feels like nothing is happening.

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

It's a fact that Created Whole Tortillas are essential for your health. Whole Wheat is one of five foods that you should eat everyday. When you eat refined white flour products, 90 percent of the nutritional value is lost, so it's important to choose whole grain foods whenever you can. People are concerned about watching carbs, because one diet or another has said carbs cause weight gain. First of all, your body needs energy in the form of carbohydrates to get through your day. And to end any confusion about carbs and weight gain, a recent study shows that a diet abundant in whole grains actually flattens your abdominal region by reducing fat storage in your stomach area. So eat your whole grains, and we say, "What better way to get your essential servings than from tortillas?"

Whole grains also contain fiber, and fiber is an important part of a healthy nutrition plan. Fiber helps reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and blood cholesterol levels, improves proper bowel function, and keeps you satiated longer. Recommendations say that adults need to consume 20-35 grams of fiber per day. Created Whole Tortillas are a good source of fiber, with 5 grams per serving.

To help you out with increasing your consumption of whole grains and fiber, you will find a few ideas below on how you can use tortillas at anytime of the day.

BreakfastTofu Scramble Breakfast Burritos

1lb firm tofu

1/2 cup chopped green onions

1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)

2 tsp liquid aminos or soy sauce

1 tsp parsley flakes

1/4 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp onion powder

1/4 tsp tumeric

1/2 tsp celery salt.

Created Whole Tortilas

Avocado

Salsa

Rinse and drain tofu. In a bowl, mash tofu with a fork. Mix in other ingredients. Simmer on a non-stick sprayed skillet for about 20 mins, stirring frequently. Put avocado slices, tofu scramble in a whole wheat tortilla. Add salsa if desired. Serves 4.

LunchWrap-a-Tillas

For a quick lunch, warm a whole wheat tortilla on the stove. Spread with hummus and fill with your favorite veggies. Things like shredded carrots, spinach, avocado, sprouts, mushrooms, TJ's veggie meatballs are great in wraps. Great served with soup.

Rinse mock duck and drain well. Tear into pieces. Place in bowl with soy sauce, lemon juice, seasonings, and sugar. Marinate for desired amount of time (best if 1 hour or longer). Saute onions and green peppers in oil. Add mock duck mixture and cook briefly until hot. Serve as tacos with tortillas and salad. Also, great with brown rice and refried beans.

Dessert

Tortilla

Margarine

Cinnamon and SugarPlace tortilla on skillet over medium heat. Spread margarine on one side (the upside), and then sprinkle tortilla with sugar and cinnamon mixture. Heat until crispy. Enjoy!

Monday, March 1, 2010

Last Thursday was an eventful day. It marked Brenda's return home from Skywest flight attendant training. Her month of training was filled with long days, typically 10- 12 hours. With only two days, off over a period of 24 days, she was excited to be through the rigourous training. When asked what she wanted to do with her week off before she leaves for her Denver base, all she said was, "sleep."

Some people may think it's a little crazy to become a flight attendant after you're already a "Grandma." Brenda is just hoping that now she'll get to fly to Alaska more often to see her cutest granddaughter in the world.

Now, all of us fly in some way or another. I think Tim and Bryan were the two that planned on it, and Brenda and Kara stepped into it on a calculated, well thought out, whim. Either way, here we are, all taking flight.